Elly's Odyssey: Reflections on Canada

This nonfiction book views Canada from a personal perspective, similar to John Steinbeck's view of America in his 1960 book Travels with Charlie. The author travels across Canada in a trailer with his wife and pets, including their French Poodle, Elly, in order to gain a better understanding of his country. A must-read for those wanting to learn more about this unique and wondrous country. More

This nonfiction book views Canada from a personal perspective, similar to John Steinbeck's view of America in his 1960 book Travels with Charlie. The author travels from coast to coast in a trailer with his wife and pets, including their French Poodle, Elly, in order to gain a better understanding of his country. Interspersed between descriptions of history, cultures, and places are the author’s reflections on such things as Elly’s behaviours, signage, ferry fees, political injustice, pollution, and animal instincts. Where was Canada’s first settlement? What is its prettiest town? When and where was its most devastating shipwreck? And who was its greatest hero? Find out by reading this account of the author’s journey through a unique and wondrous country, brimming with marvelous natural and man-made icons. But above all, his interactions with its hospitable people make him justifiably proud to be Canadian. A must-read for armchair travelers with a spirit of adventure, for those wanting to learn more about Canada, and for any cross-Canada traveler.

Larry MacDonald is a freelance journalist from Powell River, BC who writes about his sailing and RVing adventures. Although prior careers included Psychologist, Professor, Researcher, Administrator, and Entrepeneur, he most enjoys life on the water or the road, learning about people, places, and things.

Reviews

Review by:
Catherine Goulet
on Nov. 27, 2013 :
A feel-good book about a dog and her family who travel across Canada in their permanent home, a comfortable 5th wheeler. It is written with a smile, by a self-confessed 'descendent of a hyperactive gypsy'!
All at once, this book is humourous, engaging, informative, 'nice quirky' and makes important observations about some of the unethical practices the author encounters en route. It makes a good travel information book as well as a good armchair traveller read. Or for someone who simply loves dogs.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by:
Jorgen Danielsen
on Nov. 17, 2013 :
A great read. Entertaining and informative. If you're planning or are on a cross-Canada adventure, you will get some super tips and ideas from Elly's Odyssey.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by:
Lowell Anderson
on Sep. 06, 2013 :
The people we meet along the way were the highlight. Larry MacDonald has a way with people that is truly amazing. If you want to learn about Canada listen as Larry talks with Canadians.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by:
henry wojcicki
on Feb. 15, 2013 :
(no rating)
If you’ve ever felt Canada calling, Elly's Odyssey: Reflections on Canada, is a must read. Larry MacDonald has written an entertaining and informative page turner that will fuel your wanderlust.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by:
Lowell Anderson
on Jan. 31, 2013 :
(no rating)
The testament to a good book is when you don't want it to end. That's the way I felt, I wanted it to go on and on. The reader falls in love with Canada (if you haven't already), the author his wife two cats and especially Elly a wise and wonderful standard poodle.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)